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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Refresh Retreat

Dear friends,Nearly two weeks ago, I had the immense privilege of attending a Refresh Retreat hosted by my friend Sandy Traugott. I'd like to share it with you through pictures and captions. It's funny that "Refresh" was my "one word" for 2013, and I still need it now more than ever.

Sandy is a veteran home school momwhose children are all grown.She is a seasoned saint,well-acquainted with the trials of life,but filled with a flourishing love of Jesus.She inspires me.

Drop your cell phones here!This is a day to get away without distraction.(But it's there if you need it.)

A time to breathe and stretch,in a posture of devotion and worship.It's called DoxaSoma, an integration of Christian prayer and movement.Pray and praise with body and soul.I loved it. Sandy brought the mats.

After a time of listening to worship music,we each sat with our own Bibles and journals,turned to Colossians,and asked God to speak into our heartsas we reflected on his Word.This was not a lecture and workshop retreat.It was mainly a silent retreat.

Communion was available to take in solitude as we wished.

Plenty of healthy snacks - strawberries, hummus and gluten-free crackers,lemon water, a variety of teas...We also brought our own lunches.

Only six ladies come to each retreat.One of my fellow participants is my son-in-law's sweet grandmother.Chatting on the porch with her,I find that she hosted dozens of ladies' retreats at her mountain cabin in North Carolina.Between that and visiting missionaries,2,000 people from 20 nations stayed overnight at Higher Groundwhich is now available for week-long rentals.She is also active in homeless ministry,as are most of the others who came that day.Shirley's hospitality and grace astound me.I am so grateful for the family legacy she livesfor my soon-to-be born grandson Lucas.

Art time with lots of supplies - a way to creatively express who we are in Christ,and who we want to become in him.

Everyone else made collages from magazines.

I had already decided, after pondering on Colossians,to sketch my version of a kaleidoscope image,inscribing Scripture words of grace and truthonto the broken pieces my life, reflecting radiant beauty in the light of God's glory.You can see and read about my finished piece here:

Our view out the window of the condo clubhouse...I went outside later to take pictures by the lake.You can see them here in this related hymn post:What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

What a refreshing day! If you live in the Orlando area, and would like to attend one of Sandy's free day long (9 AM - 4 PM) retreats, please visit her web site here: Refresh Retreat.Note on February 10: I finally finished journaling through Colossians 4. Here are my Good Words!Grace and peace,Virginia Knowleswww.ComeWearyMoms.blogspot.com

2 comments:

Beautiful! I have never heard that song by Matt Redman. Retreats like the one you shared restore us in so many different ways. They are quieter & we need those times. Thank you for sharing your experience. Have a blessed Sunday!